We have been a part of a system since time was undefined. We have been supplied by an immense amount of natural resources to live comfortably in this planet. However, even if we have been advised to take care of the environment since the time we learned to understand, most still neglect the fact that we have a responsibility to conserve its beauty.

Maybe most have been numbed to the gravity of the environmental situation that we are facing now even if catastrophes have been visited upon our country, and even if these have claimed many lives. This is why last April 22, as the whole world prepared to celebrate Earth Day, different organizations, led by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in cooperation with the Haribon Foundation, Winner Foundation, the Embassy of Singapore, and GMA Channel 7 joined in celebrating the joy of taking care of our environment through AGOS: Earth Day 2008, with the theme Tubig: Buhay natin, ating pagyamanin.

Earth Day at CCP Complex was highlighted by the launch of the CCP’s wastewater management program, which addresses the need for water conservation and keeping the water clean.

"The theme for this year’s Earth Day celebration is ‘water’. Water is the giver of life. We need water to survive; we need water to grow our food; many industries depend on water to operate; and we use water for recreation. Yet most of us do not treat water as a precious commodity," Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Lim Khen Hua said.

Just as God masterfully created his artwork that is nature, artistic performances were presented to the volunteers of the event. The Philippine Madrigal Singers gave a powerful acapella interpretation of Lion King’s the "Circle of Life" together with the young students of Tanghalang Pilipino.

Manila Bay hosted the much-awaited regatta of different rowing teams. Dancers performed a spine-tingling Tausug dance as they led the audience to the jump-off point of the racers.

"I think the arts can be a very potent tool in educating about our environment. I think basically, it is our values that we have to inculcate, the value of not only caring for the environment but also of cleanliness. If this becomes a habit, of us being conscious of indiscriminate throwing of garbage, then it will help a lot," Nestor O. Jardin, president of CCP, said.

Developments in the city may have harmful effects to the environment; thus, we must be extra conscious in taking care of it. During the Earth Day celebration, attendees grabbed their cleaning tools and started sweeping the grounds of the CCP complex. Employees of CCP and neighboring establishments including Harbour Square, Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City, Philippine International Convention Center, Coconut Palace, Gloriamaris, and Amazing Philippine Theater participated in the clean-up.

The waters of Manila Bay around the CCP Complex were also cleaned up by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, Manila Yacht Club, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Manila City government, Pasay City government, the Singapore Embassy, and some Singapore multi-national companies.

One of the highlights of the event was the regatta, which fired up the excitement in the area. Before the race started, the teams were joined by Tausug dancers as they rowed away from the dock.

Other activities held on the day included Jomike Tejido’s one-man exhibit of banig paintings entitled 'Under a Woven Canopy' at the CCP Pasilyo Vicente Manansala; a photo contest and exhibition of images pertaining to water entitled Aninaw: Water for Life; a water management forum dubbed Patubig; an Environment Film Festival entitled Sisid; and Philippine water rituals entitled Buhos. To end the day with a bang, a light and sound spectacle delighted the attendees.

The celebration of Earth Day at the CCP Complex only proves that there is joy in saving and conserving the environment. Even if we have seen placards, murals, and slogans carrying the message of this advocacy, the application is still up to each individual at the end of the day. A change of mindset is needed. After all, why does it seem so hard to find a trash can when this simple act can save a naturally giving source which keeps us alive?